This week we will CONTINUE discussing the FUTURE!
We will be learning the about the FUTURE CONTINUOUS tense (also known as the FUTURE PROGRESSIVE tense!
We will be learning the about the FUTURE CONTINUOUS tense (also known as the FUTURE PROGRESSIVE tense!
Form:
will + be + __(verb)_____-ing
The future progressive is formed with the modal WILL, the base form of the verb BE, and an action verb + -ING.
*It is possible to use be going to (She is going to be eating dinner.) instead of will (She will be eating dinner.), but will is more common.
For example:
She will be eating dinner.
At 10 o'clock, I will be sleeping.
Use #1
The main function of the future progressive is to show a continuing (long) action getting interrupted by a short future action. The independent clause uses will + be + -ing verb and the dependent clause takes the simple present. The time marker when is often used for this case.
Note #1
You can start the sentences with either the independent clause OR the dependent clause with no difference in meaning. A comma must be used when a dependent clause begins a sentence.
Note #2
It's also possible to use the future progressive when a clock time is mentioned instead of a dependent clause.
Use #2
The secondary function of the future progressive is to emphasize that two long, continuing actions will happen at the same time.
It is also possible to use the future progressive to emphasize only one long future action.
will + be + __(verb)_____-ing
The future progressive is formed with the modal WILL, the base form of the verb BE, and an action verb + -ING.
*It is possible to use be going to (She is going to be eating dinner.) instead of will (She will be eating dinner.), but will is more common.
For example:
She will be eating dinner.
At 10 o'clock, I will be sleeping.
Use #1
The main function of the future progressive is to show a continuing (long) action getting interrupted by a short future action. The independent clause uses will + be + -ing verb and the dependent clause takes the simple present. The time marker when is often used for this case.
- It's a surprise party. The guests will be hiding when Tina arrives at her friend's house.
- We will be standing on the sidewalk when the parade goes by.
Note #1
You can start the sentences with either the independent clause OR the dependent clause with no difference in meaning. A comma must be used when a dependent clause begins a sentence.
- When the babysitter arrives, Mrs. Rivas will be getting ready to go out.
- The children will be jumping up and down with excitement when the Potter family gets their new puppy.
Note #2
It's also possible to use the future progressive when a clock time is mentioned instead of a dependent clause.
- What will you be doing at 8:00 pm tonight? (What will you be doing when it is 8:00 pm tonight?)
- I will be studying at 8:00 pm tonight. (I will be studying when it is 8:00 pm tonight.)
Use #2
The secondary function of the future progressive is to emphasize that two long, continuing actions will happen at the same time.
- The basketball team will be trying to win the championship while the cheerleaders will be making sure the fans are excited.
- Lila will be washing the dishes while Karen will be vacuuming.
It is also possible to use the future progressive to emphasize only one long future action.
- We will be studying all night.
- The audience will be begging for more.
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General Notes:
Note #1
The future progressive can be used to ask politely about someone's intentions.
Note #2
Although two future progressive verbs are possible, it is more common to use two simple future verbs unless you really want to emphasize the long action.
Note #3
Remember that non-action verbs (be, have, feelings, states, the five senses, etc.) almost never take a progressive form.
Example #1:
Note #1
The future progressive can be used to ask politely about someone's intentions.
- Will he be bringing his girlfriend to the party tonight?
- Will you be coming home right after work?
Note #2
Although two future progressive verbs are possible, it is more common to use two simple future verbs unless you really want to emphasize the long action.
- I will be answering emails and you will be texting your friend.
- I will answer emails and you will text your friend. (more common)
Note #3
Remember that non-action verbs (be, have, feelings, states, the five senses, etc.) almost never take a progressive form.
Example #1:
- She will be having a new puppy next month. ✗
- She will have a new puppy next month. ✓
- They will be liking the performance tonight. ✗
- They will like the performance tonight. ✓